25 things to do in Toronto this weekend: November 22 to 24

Nov 22 2019, 1:00 pm

November is flying by faster than the calendar seems to be suggesting. Make sure to take some time to stop and have some fun this weekend. Toronto is always filled with great events, so get out there and end the week in style.

Friday, November 22

Cirque du Soleil’s ALEGRIA

What: Iconic Alegría is reinterpreted in a renewed version to share its timeless story once more. The classic power struggle of old meets new is reinterpreted for today’s cultural pulse. Led by an intangible wind of change, an emerging movement strives to shake the established order, instilling hope and renewal to bring light to a world in perfect harmony. Alegría energizes the audience with a joyful spirit for a brighter and more inspiring tomorrow.

When: Now until November 24
Time: Varies per performance
Where: Under the Big Top, Ontario Place
Admission: Starts at $70 and available online

Leslieville Wanderlust

What: It’s the return of the Leslieville Wanderlust, so get ready to Christmas so hard. On Friday, check out the Wanderlust Winter Village located at Leslie Grove Park and see the epic Christmas tree lighting, Santa Clause, Christmas market, fireside lounge, and live entertainment. Various shops along Queen Street East will also be open for late night holiday shopping. On Saturday, the winter village will still be lively, with the sound of live musicians on the street.

When: November 22 and 23
Time: Friday, 6 pm to 10 pm; Saturday, 12 pm to 6 pm
Where: Along Queen Street East, between Booth Street and Vancouver Street
Admission: Free, register for the Friday and Saturday events online

Wax Candy: Disco Fridays

What: Playing soulful, refreshing, and uplifting Disco all night. Listen to the selection from DJ Efsharp and Cyclist at this weekly dance event. Be prepared for disco standards you already know and some deep cuts that will probably surprise you.

When: November 22 and 29
Time: 10 pm to 2 am
Where: The Piston, 937 Bloor Street West
Admission: Free, register online

FAO Schwarz Holiday Pop-Up

What: Explore larger-than-life treasures for the holidays from one of the world’s most iconic toy brands. Plus, check out the FAO Schwarz pop-up and events in-store. There’s drum lessons for kids, a holiday photo booth, and more. Instagram will thank you.

When: November 22 to December 7
Time: 10 am to 9 pm
Where: Hudson’s Bay, 176 Yonge Street
Admission: Free, register online for activities

Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest

What: Canada’s Wonderland is transforming the park into a magical winter wonderland for its new immersive, holiday event and it all kicks off this weekend. Winter festival goers will experience enchanting themed areas adorned with more than five million holiday lights, festive décor and three 15-metre-high Christmas trees. There will also be tons of music and Christmasy activities for everyone.

When: Select days from November 22 to December 31
Time: Times vary, check online
Where: Canada’s Wonderland, 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive
Tickets: Start at $21.99, available online

Martin Scorsese: A Retrospective

What: He’s one of the globe’s greatest and most iconic of filmmakers. See 27 of the master’s feature movies, playing into the new year, and see what makes Marty one of the best.

When: November 22 to January 4
Time: Times vary, check online
Where: TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King Street West
Admission: Prices vary, available online

Gourmet Food & Wine Expo

What: Passionate wine and food lovers descend on Toronto’s Metropolitan Convention Centre each November for what organizers call the “region’s largest event of its kind.” The event lures some of the best national chefs, local culinary stars, celebrated winemakers, brewmasters, and mixologists. If you’re serious about wine and food, this is for you.

When: Now until November 24
Time: Thursday, 6 to 10 pm; Friday, 2 to 10 pm; Saturday, 12 to 10 pm; Sunday, 12 pm to 6 pm
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front Street West
Admission: $55 for the weekend, available online

Aurora Winter Festival

What: For the first time ever, Aurora Winter Festival will transform Toronto’s Ontario Place into a hidden village with enchanting elements inspired by the North Pole including magical characters, captivating light displays, endless fun, games, and activities.

When: November 22 to January 5
Time: 4 pm to 10 pm
Where: Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Boulevard West
Price: $17.99, available online

In the Realm of Oshima: The Best of Japanese Master Nagisa Oshima

What: Running 11 films created by Japanese filmmaker Nagisa Oshima, this run of movies hosted by TIFF is a serious piece of reference material for anyone looking to tell stories through moving pictures. See Oshima’s classics, from Boy to the deeply satirical Pleasures of the Flesh.

When: On until December 7
Time: Times vary, check online
Where: 350 King Street West
Admission: Prices vary, check online

The One of a Kind Show

What: While this market is much larger than your typical artisan market, the One of a Kind Show is the perfect opportunity to shop for Canadian handmade goods while the weather is still somewhat reasonable.

When: On until December 1
Time: Times vary
Where: Enercare Centre, 100 Princes’ Boulevard
Admission: $15, available online

Blade Runner 2049

What: Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K (Ryan Gosling), unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what’s left of society into chaos. K’s discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for 30 years.

When: November 22 to 24
Time: November 22 and 23, 7:30 pm; November 24, 4:30 pm
Where: Cinesphere, 955 Lake Shore Boulevard West
Admission: $15, available online

City and Colour

What: See Dallas Green perform on tour for his fifth studio album A Pill For Loneliness. The singer/songwriter has been in people’s ears since he was the guitarist for Alexisonfire. See the solo project that made him a household name this fall.

When: Friday, November 22
Time: 7 pm
Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay Street
Admission: Tickets start at $80, available online

Saturday, November 23

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

What: The longest-running and most prestigious nature photography competition in the world returns to the ROM for the seventh year in a row. Whether you’re a nature lover, aspiring photographer, or simply love a perfectly captured moment, you will appreciate the talent and technical expertise required to photograph such rare and surprising glimpses of the diverse life on this planet.

When: November 23 to March 29
Time: 10 am to 5:30 pm
Where: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queens Park
Admission: $31 for adults, $24 for students, $18 for children, available online

Saturday Family Clay

What: Every Saturday is a family art day at LucSculpture. Head down and learn some of the basics of sculpting figures, building hand objects, and creating with your kids. They’ll fire all the pieces after you’re done.

When: Saturday, November 23
Time: 1:00 to 4:30 pm
Where: LucSculpture Art School, 663 Greenwood Avenue
Admission: $15 to $35, tickets available online

Paint Night

What: Designed for the less-than-natural artist, the goal of this evening is to leave with something you can hang in your house with pride. More than an evening of arts, it’s just a good time. Paint Cabin also serves alcohol, teas, and coffee, so basically everything you need to enjoy the evening.

When: Saturday, November 23
Time: 7 pm
Where: Paint Cabin, 723 Gerrard Street East
Admission: $45, available online

A Fascinating Tour Of The Universe

What: Join The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada’s Tom Vassos for a tour of the universe highlighting several of the great astronomy discoveries made in the last 25 years. Explore life on the International Space Station and many fun facts about the universe.

When: Saturday, November 23
Time: 2:30 to 4 pm
Where: Brentwood Library, 36 Brentwood Road North
Admission: Free

Embryon – History of Hardcore: Year XVIII

What: It’s the 18th annual edition of the History of Hardcore. Celebrate the roots of hardcore and its various offshoots in hard dance music. Each year the event brings together the most notable artists and DJs in the city and invite them to take listeners on a journey through their music vaults.

When: Saturday, November 23
Time: 10 pm
Where: Christie Pits Pub, 814 Bloor Street West

Axe Pancreatic Cancer

What: Join BATL for the fifth annual Axe Pancreatic Cancer Fundraiser. It is a social evening centred around an axe-throwing tournament. There are no prerequisite skills required, the staff at BATL will teach you everything you need know about being the best axe thrower you can be. When you are not throwing axes, you will be invited to peruse the silent auction, grab a drink from local breweries, or enjoy a Smoke’s poutine.

When: Saturday, November 23
Time: 8 pm
Where: Backyard Axe Throwing League – BATL, 33 Villiers Street
Admission: $100, available online

Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic

What: Holiday Magic is a community celebration that will feature an impressive live performance from Canadian pop-star and Juno winner Ruth B. alongside the annual “Flick the Switch” Lighting Ceremony with the event in support of the Canadian Foundation for Aids Research (CANFAR). It’s an event full of food, music, art, and culture.

When: Saturday, November 23
Time: 5 to 7 pm
Where: Village of Yorkville Park, 115 Cumberland Street
Admission: Free

Sunday, November 24

Poetry Slam

What: Local wordsmiths and performers shine at Toronto Poetry Slam, providing an evening of spoken word, lyrical mastery, and friendly competition before a packed house. A prize of $80 goes to the best performance of the night, so if you think your literary creations have what it takes to win, and be sure to sign up at 7:30 pm.

When: Sunday, November 24
Time: Doors open at 7 pm
Where: Drake Underground, 1150 Queen Street West
Admission: $7, cash only

New Songs Vs Old Songs in the Junction!

What: The concept is simple. Tell them your favourite hit song and wait for it to face off against a challenger on stage to get audience votes and win. (Or just shout your opinion and vote for the winning song.) Singalong, laugh, party, and be LOUD at this Toronto music social.

When: Sunday, November 24
Time: 7 pm
Where: Junction City Music Hall, 2907 Dundas Street West
Admission: Free

The Deadstock Depot — Vintage Streetwear Flea Market

What: Toronto’s only Vintage Streetwear Flea Market is back. Shop some of the rarest and amazing finds from 30 local and international vendors. Come together with your fellow vintage lovers and browse a selection of handpicked garments catering to the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000’s street and sportswear aesthetic.

When: Sunday, November 24
Time: 1 to 7 pm
Where: OnlyOneGallery, 5 Brock Avenue
Admission: Free to attend

Leslieville Winter Market

What: Every Saturday you can shop baked goods, crafty gifts, and a huge selection of prepared food at the Leslieville Winter Market. It’s a celebration of all things local and seasonal, so don’t miss out.

When: Every Sunday until December 10
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Jonathan Ashbridges Park, 20 Woodward Avenue
Admission: Free

Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market

What: This much-loved annual event lets Christmas shopper buy directly from the hands of 110 talented local artists and designers. Choose from original art, fashion, jewelry, home decor, vintage items, body care and more. There are free swag bags for the first 25 attendees.

When: Sunday, November 24
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West
Admission: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West

November 2019 Toronto Pug Grumble

What: Bring your pugs to the Dog Bowl in Trinity Bellwoods Park this Sunday for a Toronto Pug Grumble. Get ready for lots of snorting, rolling, and grumbling. It’s basically the cutest thing going on in the city this weekend.

When: Sunday, November 24
Time: 2 to 4 pm
Where: Dog Bowl in Trinity Bellwoods Park
Admission: Free

Peter SmithPeter Smith

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